Essence of South Korea & Japan

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

Your journey begins in Tokyo, where you’ll board your luxury Emerald yacht and set sail across Japan’s captivating waters. With its dazzling skyline, vibrant neighbourhoods, and seamless blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, Tokyo offers a lively introduction to the extraordinary experiences that await on your unforgettable voyage. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Tokyo prior to 02:00 PM.

The salt and pepper cone of Japan's most famous natural landmark won’t fail to take your breath away, as it soars into the sky in a vision of spectacular symmetry. Make sure your camera is fully prepared before you dock in Shimizu’s port, where unparalleled views of the extraordinary Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak await. Take your time to soak up one of Japan's most iconic views, before dipping your toes into the rest of what this destination of tranquil temples has to offer. While there’s a bustling fish market, and a charming amusement park waiting close to the port, most new arrivals immediately set off in pursuit of the best views of Mount Fuji, or to see the stunning panorama on offer from the heights of the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Take the cable car up to the top, to experience the tranquillity around the forested shrine, and to enjoy its stunning architecture of deep scarlets and gleaming golds. You can also enjoy heart-stopping views out over the Bay of Suruga, and the tea plantations below.

Set against the majesty of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. With a history dating back to the Nara Period and framed by stunning natural scenery, Shimizu offers a wealth of inspiring sights. Discover rich Japanese culture and nearby shrines, stroll through the town to immerse yourself in local life, and enjoy the renowned views toward Mount Fuji on clear days, when the iconic peak rises dramatically above the horizon.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Welcome to Kobe on Japan’s main island of Honshu, a major international port city framed by ocean views and mountain peaks. With a long history as one of Japan’s key gateways for global trade and cultural exchange, Kobe blends rich maritime heritage with a vibrant, modern identity.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Rebuilt and revitalised following the 1995 earthquake, the city today showcases a distinctive mix of history, culture, and international flair, offering an ideal setting for exploration and indulgence.

History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment peace – its ruin on the 6th August 1945 led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs I the world have been destroyed. There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city too; the Children’s’ Peace Monument just north of the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan – she would recover. Sadly she died before she finished her task but her classmates finished the rest. It is impossible to ignore the events of 1945 in Hiroshima, but this is far from a depressing place. The great efforts that have been made in rebuilding of the city over the years have given Hiroshima a vibrant, eclectic edge, with the downtown shopping area and street food stalls being well worth a visit. The proximity to Miyajima and its iconic, impressive, Torii gate should not be overlooked either. If you are lucky enough to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season, then the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate, means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.

Hiroshima is a profoundly significant city, shaped by its history and defined by its enduring message of peace and resilience. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, stand as powerful reminders of the past and invite reflection on the importance of peace. Alongside this, Hiroshima Castle and the serene Shukkeien Garden reveal layers of heritage and refined landscape design. Tree-lined avenues, riverside paths, and lively neighbourhoods complete a city that balances remembrance with a vibrant, forward-looking atmosphere. 

Arrive in Kitakyushu, Kyushu’s northern gateway where urban energy meets historic charm. Admire Kokura Castle and its serene gardens, the retro streets of Mojiko Port, and the dazzling night views from Mt. Sarakura, capturing the city’s rich history and serene beauty. Nestled between mountains and sea, this vibrant city blends tradition and modernity for an unforgettable day.

Discover Fukuoka, Kyushu’s dynamic capital and well-known culinary hub where ancient shrines meet modern vibrancy. Explore the serene Ohori Park with its tranquil lake, bustling Tenjin canal city, and the famous Yatai street food stalls showcasing Fukuoka’s unique blend of tradition, culture, and flavour.

Hagi is a former castle town located in the middle of Yamaguchi prefecture along the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is surrounded by the ocean, mountain and Abugawa River. Early in the 17th century, Terumoto Mori built Hagi Castle at the foot of Mt. Shizuki-yama, and the area served as the seat of the Yamaguchi prefecture government until the middle of 19th century. Around then, Hagi produced many capable men who played a leading role in the construction of modern day Japan, including Hirobumi Ito who became the first prime minister in Japan. You will still see a castle town itself which was built 400 years ago and you can get the feel of how it was like during the Samurai period. During your visit, we recommend experiencing the Hagi-yaki pottery which was brought from Korea in the early 17th century. Its colour is very unique and changes over time due to its porous nature. You can find many craft shops specialized for Hagi-yaki pottery all over the town. Last but not least, do not forget that Hagi is also famous for summer tangerines, and there are several shops which sells soft ice cream with summer tangerine flavour.

Experience Hagi, a riverside city on the picturesque Abu-gawa delta, framed by mountains and natural beauty. The city’s historic Shizuki Park features remnants of a 17th-century castle, while the old town invites leisurely walks along streets lined with traditional samurai residences and preserved merchant homes. Cltural sites include engaging museums and workshops showcasing Hagi-yaki pottery, offering a hands-on glimpse into the city’s artistic heritage. 

White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.

Your luxurious yacht journey comes to an end in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant port city where bustling markets, serene beaches, and historic temples create a dynamic and unforgettable atmosphere. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward travels, taking with you cherished memories of your extraordinary voyage along Japan and South Korea’s coast.

Please book your flight to depart out of Busan after 12:00 PM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.